For this feeling of wonder shows that you are a philosopher,
since wonder is the only beginning of philosophy.

Monday, 25 April 2016

Pakistan and the Modern World: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Point out four differences between the Muslims and the Hindus as
given by Liaquat Ali Khan in "Pakistan and the Modern World".

According to Liaquat Ali Khan the Muslims and the Hindus were
different in religions. The Muslims
believed in one God; whereas, the Hindus believed in many gods The Muslims also
believed in all Prophets of God; on the other-hand, the Hindus did not believe
in any Prophet. The Muslims believed in equality of all men; whereas, the
Hindus believed in caste system. Moreover, the Muslims believed in the
distribution of wealth and gave women the right of ownership and inheritance;
whereas, the Hindus believed in accumulation of wealth. All these religious,
socio-economic differences created such a mal-adjustment in the society that it
became difficult for the two nations to live together in harmony.

What does Liaquat Ali Khan state about the first and real meaning
of freedom, for the common man?

Liaquat Ali Khan rejects the earlier definition of freedom by
calling it "an out-worn idea". He broadens the definition by saying
that not only the governments should be free from foreign domination, but
people of the country should also be free. And according to him, people can
only be free if they are free from want, free from disease and free from
ignorance. Such a freedom is the real freedom.

According to Liaquat Ali Khan, what are the two main duties of the
western world for the progress and maintenance of world peace today?

In his address to the people of America, Liaquat Ali Khan pointed
out that since the western world is thought to be more knowledgeable and
progressed than the eastern world so it is its duty to share its great fund of
knowledge, skill and experience with the Asian countries. Furthermore, they
should not shirk from their responsibility for the maintenance of world peace
and defy aggression everywhere.

What real meaning of freedom for common man does Liaquat Ali Khan
state?

According to him, only freedom from foreign domination is not the
real freedom. Real freedom for the common man is freedom from want, hunger,
disease and ignorance. Free people are those whose all basic needs are
fulfilled and they lead a contend life in a country ruled by their own
representatives.

What demands, according to Liaquat Ali Khan, does our freedom make
on us?

Our freedom demands that we should try to keep ourselves free from
all kinds of dominations. Here he means not only the foreign domination but
other forces as well, such as poverty, diseases and ignorance. To keep our
freedom intact we must be always on guard or must always be vigilant so that no
outside force take advantage of us and make us slaves.

Briefly state the main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the
Muslim's desire not to continue living in a united India.

The main reason given by Liaquat Ali Khan for the Muslim's desire
not to continue living in a united India was that they had understood very
clearly that they would always be a minority which would be ruled by the Hindus
who were in three times their number. So for the Muslims freedom only meant
change of masters. The Hindus were three
million in number; whereas, the Muslims were only one million. So the Muslims
feared that under such dominating majority of three to one their Muslim culture
would suffer a great setback and perhaps be lost. Moreover, the Muslims were
economically and industrially backward; whereas, the Hindus were in a better
state. If the Muslims came under the Hindu rule, their condition would worsen.
Thus the Muslims desired freedom from British as well as freedom from Hindu
domination.

Explain the lines, “What are the demands that our freedom makes on
us. Our first duty is to ourselves. I do not say this in any spirit of
selfishness or chauvinism.”

In the lines Liaquat Ali Khan speaks on one of the significant
facts of liberty. He is in a quite scholarly manner analyzed the idea of
freedom. He states that freedom requires a nation to be equipped with the sense
of responsibility. Freedom is a precious thing. It while providing so many
things, demands people’s consciousness of their duties, necessity of civic
sense and sense of mutual respect. Liberty enables a nation to think for
themselves; for their prosperity, stability and progress. It nourishes and
grows their patriotic sense. This can never be regarded as chauvinism, because
it is based on aggressive and destructive mode of thinking. On the contrary,
patriotism is an essential and integral part of every country’s socio-political
set-up. It is within the interest of every state and it is supported by UN and
its ideals.

Explain the lines, “Liberty does not descend upon a people; a
people must raise themselves to it. It is fruit that must be earned before it
can be enjoyed.”

Here, Liaquat Ali Khan speaks about the philosophy of freedom, that
it is not a God gifted article. People are not bestowed upon by it. It can be
attained through ceaseless efforts. People have to educate and train themselves
to posses it. People of the sub-continent made hard efforts, sacrificed their
lives, properties and even obliged to migrate. It is the fruit of their
sacrifices and struggle that enabled them to become the free citizens of an
independent state. It is the achievement of their goal that they are at liberty
to practice their religion, to promote their cultural heritage and to develop
their social set-up.

Explain the lines, “A free people must maintain their own freedom
first. Otherwise they disgrace the fair name of free men and women all over the
world. But the maintenance of freedom requires constant vigilance.”

In these lines Liaquat Ali Khan speaks about the philosophy of
freedom and liberty. He mentions one of the thought provoking aspects of
liberty that it is always in danger of being “license”. He is of the opinion
that a nation first of all has to maintain and manage its freedom. In fact, he
means to say that the achievement of liberty is difficult but the maintenance
of liberty is far more difficult. It demands from a nation to suppress their
unlimited desires. It requires self denial. It needs proper manipulation and
training. Common man and administrative personnel should be well educated,
trained and equipped with loyalty, sincerity and sense of responsibility. It
needs sense of mutual respect and tolerance. If people come across any critical
situation, they must not violate the rule of law. Mere slogans and riots cannot
remove their grievances. Keeping in view the integrity of the state, they have
to move on right path and constructive way. This is the sole way which proves
to be the guarantee of protection of their liberty.